Flint Hills Resources Forte 5K set for Oct. 19

One of the key elements to the Forte 5K is being able to run or walk through trees showing their seasonal colors. The event is to benefit Channahon School District 17's band and choir.

By JEANNE MILLSAP -
Shaw Media Correspondent

Imagine running a 5K on a brisk October morning on paths lined with trees showing off its best fall colors. Not only that, but a junior high school pep band is tucked away on a part of the course playing just the music you need to make your best time.

Think “Rocky” and “Gonna Fly Now.”

That’s what’s planned for the Oct. 19 Flint Hills Resources Forte 5K Run/Walk that will benefit the band and choir programs of Channahon Grade School District 17’s schools.

Channahon Music Boosters President Kellie Mason said this year will be the second annual race after last year’s race that went so well they decided to make it an annual event. Mason’s husband, Jim, is the one who thought of the idea and is the race’s director.

“We wanted to get away from doing selling,” Kellie Mason said. “Dr. [Karin] Evans [District 17 superintendent] was all on board, so we went with it.”

Mason said the runners last year commented that one of their favorite things was the music of the student pep band playing in the distance. When they finally came upon them, it was a great boost in morale.

This year, the band will again perform along the route, and the student choir will be at the registration site to sing the national anthem before the race.

Mason said the event is not just for the runners and walkers. It’s a community event, and people can come out just to hear the choir.

Mason said the funds raised go toward the band and choir programs. The Channahon Music Boosters will use the money for instruments, lunches for the choir during show dress rehearsals, purchasing band uniforms and more.

Last year, the boosters split the cost with the district for new stage curtains at the junior high. The organization also purchased a set of tympani drums and a valve trombone, and are now working to help provide storage units for the Three Rivers School band room.

Mason hopes the community comes out to support the music kids.

“It’s education through music,” she said. “These programs enrich the lives and open up doors for these kids.”